The Best Mosquito Repellents of 2023

These repellents won't let mosquitoes suck the fun out of summer.

Summer is barbecues, fishing trips, and the distinct high-pitched hum of a mosquito zeroing in on your ear. The latter can ruin your summer fun with constant swatting and the eventual itching. But, mosquito repellent can save the day. To help you find the best mosquito repellent for your needs, I tested a bunch of them in my mosquito-infested woods to find repellents that are effective and user friendly. Here are my picks:

Best Overall: Coleman Insect Repellent SkinSmart

Best for Backyards: Thermacell EX90

Best Small Bottle: Repel 100

Best Lotion: Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion

Best for Treating Clothing: Sawyer Permethrin

Best Portable Device: Thermacell MR450 Armored Mosquito Repeller

Best Natural: Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray

Best Device for Backpacking: Backpacker Mosquito Repeller

Continue reading more about the various mosquito repellents here.

Outdoor Life: The Best Mosquito Repellents of 2023

Close-up of a mosquito biting human skin with green blurred background.
Close-up of a mosquito biting human skin with green blurred background.

The Best Mosquito Repellents of 2023

These repellents won't let mosquitoes suck the fun out of summer.

Summer is barbecues, fishing trips, and the distinct high-pitched hum of a mosquito zeroing in on your ear. The latter can ruin your summer fun with constant swatting and the eventual itching. But, mosquito repellent can save the day. To help you find the best mosquito repellent for your needs, I tested a bunch of them in my mosquito-infested woods to find repellents that are effective and user friendly. Here are my picks:

Best Overall: Coleman Insect Repellent SkinSmart

Best for Backyards: Thermacell EX90

Best Small Bottle: Repel 100

Best Lotion: Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion

Best for Treating Clothing: Sawyer Permethrin

Best Portable Device: Thermacell MR450 Armored Mosquito Repeller

Best Natural: Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray

Best Device for Backpacking: Backpacker Mosquito Repeller

Continue reading more about the various mosquito repellents here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Outdoor Life
Outdoor Life
Outdoor Life is America's source for hunting and fishing information, new gun reviews and gear tests.
Media Mentions

Outdoor Life: The Best Mosquito Repellents of 2023

Close-up of a mosquito biting human skin with green blurred background.
Close-up of a mosquito biting human skin with green blurred background.

The Best Mosquito Repellents of 2023

These repellents won't let mosquitoes suck the fun out of summer.

Summer is barbecues, fishing trips, and the distinct high-pitched hum of a mosquito zeroing in on your ear. The latter can ruin your summer fun with constant swatting and the eventual itching. But, mosquito repellent can save the day. To help you find the best mosquito repellent for your needs, I tested a bunch of them in my mosquito-infested woods to find repellents that are effective and user friendly. Here are my picks:

Best Overall: Coleman Insect Repellent SkinSmart

Best for Backyards: Thermacell EX90

Best Small Bottle: Repel 100

Best Lotion: Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion

Best for Treating Clothing: Sawyer Permethrin

Best Portable Device: Thermacell MR450 Armored Mosquito Repeller

Best Natural: Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray

Best Device for Backpacking: Backpacker Mosquito Repeller

Continue reading more about the various mosquito repellents here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Outdoor Life
Outdoor Life
Outdoor Life is America's source for hunting and fishing information, new gun reviews and gear tests.
Media Mentions
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer

Recent mentions

Close-up of a small tick crawling on the edge of a textured green leaf.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
MSN: Warmer Winter Could Lead To An Increase In Ticks
As more Northern Nevadans head outdoors this spring and summer, experts say hikers should be aware of a small pest that can cause big problems — ticks.
View post
Close-up of a small tick crawling on beige fabric outdoors with blurred green and brown background.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Yahoo! Health: How To Protect Yourself From Ticks This Season, According To Experts
What experts say you should do before — and after — heading outdoors.
View post
Couple sitting on floor behind laid out backpacks and organized camping and hiking gear.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
The Trek: Going Gaga Over Gear
Your life in a backpack? Yes, it’s possible.
View post
Various insect repellent products on a wooden shelf including sprays, lotion, and citronella candle.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
REI: How to Choose Insect Repellent
Find the right bug spray for you based on the active ingredient, concentration and application type.
View post
Spray bottle of Ranger Ready insect repellent with 20% Picaridin for long-lasting protection.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Fox 2 News: Mosquito Repellents That Actually Work
Summer is almost here and that means mosquitoes.
View post
Muddy ground with animal and tire tracks and a single green leaf near the bottom center.
Media Mentions
June 2, 2026
Upland Almanac: Average Joe
That deep desire to get outside after a long, cold winter is what elevates turkey hunting here in the Northeast to a premier pursuit.
View post
A small black sprinkler head in the middle of a green backyard lawn with plants blurred in foreground.
Media Mentions
May 29, 2026
AOL: Keeping Summer Pests At Bay: Tips To Protect Your Home
As the summer season returns, uninvited guests make their way into our homes.
View post
Backpacker seated on a log drinking from a water bladder in a grassy field with pine trees behind.
Media Mentions
May 28, 2026
Backpacker: RIP To These Bygone Backpacking Trends
Take a hike down memory lane to celebrate the gear and fads that got backpacking to where it is today.
View post